SURF FATALITY.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16473, 17 March 1919, Page 6

SURF FATALITY.

GIRL DROWNED AT TAYLOR'S MISTAKE. Mario Evans, aged 9 years, whoso parents reside in Sydenham, was drowned at Taylor's Mistake yesterday. A very rough sea was running, the waves dashing against the rocks, sending the spray many feet into the air, and also causing a strong back wash onl the beach which made bathing very treacherous.

Shortly before midday the deceased and two other girls were bathing at the north end of the beach when they wore caught in the backwash. The alarm was raised, and acting under tho instructions of Mr F. Barrett, of the Life Saving Club, two of the girls got» into shallow water and were assisted out, the deceased in tho meantime floating out in an unconscious condition, the current rapid'y taking her towards Kcwhai Point and the large rocks at the end of the beach.

Owing to the heavy nature of theeea it was imposs ble to man the life-savin" 1 reel, but a long line was secured an 3 fastened to a which was donned by Mr J. Parker, who then set out! to effeot a rescue. After battling for liearty a quarter of a mile through tremendous breakers, he reached the child and rfowly commenced to return. In the meantime Messrs C. Pegg T. Hobson, C. Hooker, an<i Le Seur had lowered by means of a rope a party or six life-savers, consisting of Messrs 15. Burns. F. Barrett. W. Shaw, M. Ballin, A Dow, and Balljnger, on to a ledge, with the idea of assisting Parker tcf land the child. Just at this timo a tremendous sea struck the rock, and the whole six men were swewt off into the sea. Fortunately all .regained the ro P°> an d after a severe struggle, in, which all were severely cut about on the rocks, they were hauled onto tho ledge again. The K irl and Parker were also secured.

Resuscitation was persevered with for over an hour, but without success. The body was conveyed over the hills to Sumner, and afterwards to town. An inquest■ will be held at the Courthouse at 9.30 o'clock this morning.